Sony developing devices to compete with Apple

With its large screen, army of apps and built-in accelerometer, the Apple iPad is being touted for its gaming capabilities.

Sony is countering Apple by developing its own handheld products that include a tablet-like device and a smartphone that can download and play PlayStation games, The Wall Street Journal said in a news report on Thursday.

The tablet-like device being developed will include netbook, e-book reader and gaming functions, the Journal said, citing people familiar with the matter. The device could compete with Apple's iPad, which offers Web browsing, multimedia, e-reading and gaming functions.

Sony is working with Ericsson on the handset, the report said. Both the companies have a long history of developing handsets together, and recently launched the Xperia X10 smartphone, which is built with the Android OS.

Sony is also developing an online media platform called Sony Online Service that will include movies, music, games and television shows, the report said. The online service, expected to launch later this month, will offer content already available in Apple's iTunes store. Sony, however, will offer downloadable PlayStation games that could differentiate it from iTunes.

Sony already offers Reader e-book readers and the PlayStation Portable gaming device.

Sony representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment on this report.